Mark, A Commentary, by M. Eugene Boring

The Gospel of Mark presents many challenges for preachers and students who are immense in the study and exposition of this dynamic gospel. That is why it is always helpful having thorough commentaries. Mark, A Commentary, by M. Eugene Boring (Westminster John Knox Press, 2006), is one of those commentaries that will help expositors have a broader perspective on this gospel.

This volume is part of the well-known series The New Testament Library. The author provided us with a very complete volume. In his introduction, Boring addresses every pertinent issue regarding the Gospel of Mark; genre, authorship, date of composition, story, and other pertinent discussions.

The commentary section is both informative and constructive. The author divides the text in major blocks and then he follows a verse by verse pattern. Boring presents different points of view and interpretations when the text requires so, not necessarily forcing readers to adopt one interpretation or the other. The author also provides a variety of excursuses on topics that are worth of further discussion, and he does that with a great insight. Excursuses are to clarifying or to provide additional information, and Boring does so in a magnificent way.

The table of contents serves as the outline of this gospel, and it is written from an exegetical perspective. This commentary is an exegetical commentary from the beginning to the end. The textual notes provided by the author are illuminating and informative. Greek terms are included. However, Boring makes use of Greek terms when necessary and with the purpose of helping readers to better understand a given verse and without interrupting the reading of the text. The bibliography is so complete and will help readers to expand their study of the Gospel of Mark.

Summarizing, this is an outstanding commentary on the Gospel of Mark that will provide pastors, expositors, and students with a great amount of information in a well-organized approach. Perhaps you already have good commentaries on the Gospel of Mark, but Boring’s volume will be an excellent addition to your library as well as to your own life.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255